If Elway expects to reverse course and prevent his franchise from back-to-back losing seasons first time since the early 1970s, jettisoning one of his precious few proven starters on offense isn't the answer.

Once viewed as the NFL's most imposing pass-catching duo, Sanders and Thomas have suffered through injuries and untimely drops while adjusting to subpar quarterback play over the past two years. On the wrong side of age 30, both receivers are nearing the decline phase of their careers -- if they haven't already reached it.

That said, it would surprise no one if a new quarterback leads a rejuvenated aerial attack in 2018.